Allie Hubers Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class has been making waves in the cruise industry with its innovative designs and unparalleled amenities. Following the successful launches of Icon of the Seas and the upcoming Star of the Seas later this year, anticipation is building for the third ship in this groundbreaking series, Legend of the Seas debuting in 2026.
Recent online discussions suggest that the upcoming vessel may bear the name Legend of the Seas, nodding to a previous Vision Class cruise ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.
According to a Reddit post, Royal Caribbean conducted test uploads on their website, revealing potential itineraries for the new ship. These preliminary schedules indicate that Legend of the Seas will commence her inaugural season in Europe during 2026.
Following this European debut, the ship is expected in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as her U.S. homeport for the 2026/2027 season. This strategic move allows Royal Caribbean to cater to both European and North American markets. The plan is offering diverse itineraries that showcase the ship’s versatility.
It’s not sure if these itineraries are real sailings, as they could be testing the website before the actual itineraries.
Even still, an inaugural season in Europe would be an exciting opportunity for Royal Caribbean’s latest and greatest cruise ship. Icon of the Seas had her inaugural season in Florida, soon to be followed by Star of the Seas.
Legend of the Seas rumors
Rumors have been circling for months about the potential name “Legend” for the third Icon Class ship. Along with Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, the name “Legend” fits the theme of boldness, aspiration, and legacy for the groundbreaking ship class.
“Icon” emphasizes trailblazing innovation and “Star” suggests brightness and excellence. “Legend” hints at timelessness and the enduring legacy of Royal Caribbean’s commitment to delivering unforgettable cruise experiences. Together, these names create a cohesive narrative about the extraordinary nature of the Icon Class fleet.
Cruisers in the Reddit comment section debate Royal Caribbean’s decision to reuse an old vessel name. Some appreciate the homage to the original Legend of the Seas vessel, which was a beloved part of the fleet as a Vision Class ship.
However, others are curious about the choice to recycle ship names. Especially considering Legend of the Seas was part of Royal Caribbean’s fleet not too long ago.
Regardless of the name, the third Icon Class ship will uphold Royal Caribbean’s reputation for delivering exceptional cruise experiences. Construction has already started on the third Icon Class ship, which will debut in 2026 and into 2027.
Why “Legend” of the Seas?
The original Legend of the Seas was part of the Vision Class and debuted in 1995.
At the time, she was celebrated for her elegant design, sweeping glass windows, and intimate size compared to modern mega-ships. With a capacity of around 2,000 passengers, Legend of the Seas embodied a different era of cruising, emphasizing personalized service and global itineraries.
The ship sailed the world for Royal Caribbean until she was sold in 2017 to Thomson Cruises (now Marella Cruises) as part of Royal Caribbean’s fleet modernization efforts. The name’s revival is a fitting tribute to a ship that brought so much joy to passengers over its two-decade tenure.
It’s worth noting that Royal Caribbean is not alone in this naming tradition. Carnival Cruise Line has also been reviving classic names from its past fleet, such as Mardi Gras and Celebration. This trend among cruise lines taps into nostalgia while also signaling a new era for these iconic names.
For Royal Caribbean, the new Legend of the Seas symbolizes the evolution of cruising, bringing a beloved name into the future of ship design and guest experiences.
Potential Itineraries
Early glimpses of the ship’s itineraries hint at a mix of Mediterranean adventures and Caribbean escapes. Royal Caribbean’s website reportedly uploaded some standout sailings:
- Western Mediterranean Cruise (7 Nights, Roundtrip from Barcelona):
- Departure Date: August 9, 2026
- Visiting Palma de Mallorca, Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples/Capri, and returning to Barcelona
- Starting price: $1,878 per person
- Western Mediterranean Cruise (7 Nights, Roundtrip from Rome):
- Departure Date: October 15, 2026
- Ports include Naples/Capri, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Provence (Marseille), and Florence/Pisa (La Spezia).
- Starting price: $1,787 per person
- Southern Caribbean & Perfect Day (8 Nights, Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale):
- Departure Date: January 9, 2027
- Stops include Willemstad (Curacao), Oranjestad (Aruba), Cabo Rojo (Dominican Republic), and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
- Starting price: $1,942 per person
While official details from Royal Caribbean are still pending, the information gleaned from these test uploads provides an exciting glimpse into the future.
Passengers can expect the third Icon Class ship to continue the trend of unmatched entertainment, record-breaking water attractions, and diverse dining options. With neighborhoods like Surfside for families and Chill Island for relaxation, plus a focus on sustainability with LNG-powered engines, the ship will undoubtedly raise the bar for modern cruising.
Stay tuned for official announcements from Royal Caribbean regarding ship features, itineraries, and booking opportunities. The future of cruising looks bright, and Legend of the Seas is poised to be a significant part of that journey!
